I like gulls. I especially like being able to see them up close when the opportunities arise and will take advantage of my close proximity by taking portraits of these beautiful but often disliked birds.

This Laughing Gull was photographed in Florida several years ago on a day when I was shooting with two wonderful friends who were also photographers. The Laughing Gull was in its finest breeding plumage and was standing on the sand near the Gulf of Mexico.

This Herring Gull was photographed at Fort De Soto County Park in Florida as it rested near a quiet tidal lagoon. I wanted to try for something a little different than a normal portrait when I took this image. I hope it worked. Granted the bill isn’t showing but I love how the eye of this Herring Gull stands out so well.

I was in the water when I photographed this Ring-billed Gull’s portrait in Florida, the warm Gulf waters felt great on my skin as I inched closer to the gull. I was able to get the portrait images I wanted and slowly backed away from the gull without disturbing it.

What can I tell you about this portrait of a California Gull here in Utah? I love the breeding plumage and the clear white head California Gulls have during the breeding season, the dark eyes and the colorful bills. I also like the smooth background which is actually a rocky hillside.

Does this California Gull image look like it was taken while it was perched on a trash bin at Antelope Island State Park? Well, it was. Yeah, I know, people think of them as trash birds. But this isn’t a trashy picture.